This week, Rabbi Joel Simonds, executive director of the Jewish Center for Justice, spoke with Sojourners about the faith community’s role in helping to rebuild Los Angeles following the Palisades and Eaton fires. that recovery efforts must be equitable, particularly for marginalized communities. Read the article here.
“Recovery must be equitable,” Rabbis Simonds said, stressing that promises to cut through bureaucratic red tape must lead to real action. Rabbis Simonds also noted in the recovery efforts, it will be “a moral imperative to ensure that everyone impacted by this tragedy — especially those from marginalized communities — is cared for and protected.”
Rabbi Simonds also highlighted the faith community’s unique role in providing long-term support and advocacy for those affected.
“As Los Angeles moves beyond the initial triage phase, the road ahead will require hard conversations at the state and community levels to ensure neighborhoods and families are not displaced,” he said.